Artificial intelligence in international relations: role and research dimensions

Abstract

The article covers certain aspects of artificial intelligence in international relations. The study aims at identifying the role and key dimensions of AI research and application in international relations. The results of the study reveal paradigmatic differences in the approaches to the research of AI in international relations. Research dimensions include international security and the new types of conflicts, technological competition and sustainable development, ethics and human rights. As far as the application of AI in foreign policy is concerned, the expert discourse was analyzed and three utilitarian functions of AI were identified: 1) AI as a diplomatic tool; 2) AI as a topic for negotiations; 3) AI as a factor of the changes in the international environment. Thus, AI is one of the key technologies for the next decade with the potential to become a core factor in the redistribution of power in the international system. As part of international relations digitalization, AI influences the actors’ perceptions of the changing system. At this point, most research papers deal with AI within the framework of cybersecurity. This article aligns various approaches and presents a comprehensive perspective of AI in international relations.